2020-09 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2020
War-date Confederate medical staff non-commissioned officer's letter, 2pp. 4to., written by Hospital Steward David F. Kagey (1834-1923), 25th Virginia Infantry, "In Line of Battle near Charlestown, Jefferson Co., [Va.], August 23, 1864," reading, in part: "We have been aroused from camp by a report of the advance of the enemy & are now in line of battle awaiting their arrival. They are…coming on the Harpers Ferry road…Col. Williams & I caught up with our command Sunday night…we found our mess seated around a big mess of roasting ears. A portion of our army was skirmishing with the enemy, Gordon's division was not engaged…early yesterday morning [we] marched upon the Yankees who were strongly fortified near here. They did not make a stand, but left in some haste for Harpers Ferry. Col. Williams & I…stayed all night…at a Mr. Childs. Fared well, although the Yankees injured him smartly-searched his house-took many things out of the house-took their knives & forks etc. all his hay, horses and many other things. His neighbors were similarly treated. Many of them worse. They burned quite a number of barns , wheat stacks etc. between Middletown & Winchester. Dr. Miller suffered some loss also, on his farm….we sent an ambulance up with sick…the Yankees…do not seem anxious to fight…perhaps Jubal will go back to his den at Fisher's Hill…[evening]…the brigade will be back again…[Wednesday morning]…our brigade was called out again…the Yankees did not come closer than a miles of our line…you need not be surprised to hear of the army falling back…to Fisher's Hill. We will fall back or advance into the enemy's country as they have taken & destroyed much of the supplies in this portion of the Valley…corn is looking well in this county. This is one of the best counties in the state…[near Shepardstown, Friday, August 26, 1864]…we [had] slight skirmishing on Wednesday. Yesterday we left the enemy below Charlestown & come in this direction…within 5 miles of Shepardstown we met a very heavy cavalry & artillery force of the enemy. We had a small engagement, but the Yankees soon run. The 25th had 2 men wounded in that fight. A few hours later we encountered the enemy again…the fight was a spirited one for a short while, but they run again. Dr. Henkel, Dr. Miller & I had some curiosity to see the fight & stampede, but our curiosity was soon gratified. The Yanks commenced pouring canister & shell among us. I came very near being struck with both shell & canister. I have resolved hereafter not to go where duty does not call me. I think Dr. H. & M. will do likewise…Terry's brigade had 6 killed & 23 wounded. We sent all the wounded to Winchester this morning…Dave." The original Confederate postally used transmittal cover is included. Minor spotting, else VG.
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